Once again, a President is making the call to the bullpen on a war that isn't going as well as it could.  And once again, Gen. David Petraeus is being waved in to offer his assistance.

Back in the Bush Administration, Petraeus was brought in to institute the "military surge", of US and coalition forces in Iraq.

Petraeus won broad support for the way he not only turned things around in Iraq, but how he dealt with the political class in both parties.

Remember, while Petraeus is seen as a pro by both parties, it wasn't long ago that he was a controversial figure.

Back in September of 2007, the liberal group MoveOn.org stirred up a storm in Congress by running full page ads attacking the US commander in Iraq, labeling him "General Betray Us."

Remember that one?

Now, Gen. Petraeus gets to play the role of military and political savior again, as he's being waved in this time to help a Democratic administration deal with Afghanistan.

The Petraeus selection was certainly a surprise - but it makes great sense - as he is probably the most well known  military figure right now in the country.

Whether he can keep critics at bay about the Afghanistan mission is another question entirely.

It was clear yesterday that the White House decided that Petraeus was a better short term pick for the job of commander than Gen. Stanley McChrystal.

Confirmation hearings will start next week, as Democrats look to get the President's pick through the Senate in record time.